Tierras Amargas
(Bitter Grounds)
A satirical thriller about two men and their multi-generational rivalry, feuding about their stakehold over a Guatemalan coffee plantation. Their conflict seemingly comes to an end when the two heads of the families find themselves in a life or death situation.
Two Men, One Piece of Land
Cesar Garcia is a wealthy landowner with a legal claim to a disputed piece of land, but Pedro Zaragoza continues to harvest the coffee from the plantation. Cesar plans to kill Pedro and considers him an enemy. Pedro, from a family of small landowners, refuses to accept the court's ruling and calls Cesar a thief. Despite this hostility, Pedro agrees to become friends with Cesar, knowing it will shock their community.
POWER, PROPERTY, & IDENTITY
Cesar and Pedro are locked in a fierce land dispute over a small patch of ground in the Guatemalan highlands. Despite a court ruling in Cesar’s favor, Pedro insists the land was stolen. This family feud has escalated over the past two generations, even though the land is not particularly valuable.
Instead of sharing and enjoying the land, the men hunt each other on it. When they become trapped under a fallen tree, they initially see it as an opportunity to finally kill the other. However, as time passes, they become more civil and compassionate towards each other. Even when reconciled, they still seek validation from actions performed on the other.
The land matters to Cesar and Pedro because of how their ownership of it, and actions within it, will be known and understood by others. They value the land not for its intrinsic worth, but for the opportunity it provides to dominate or be dominated by the other.
MAN VS. NATURE
Cesar and Pedro are locked in a fierce land dispute, each trying to dominate the other and the land itself. They stalk through the jungle with weapons, hoping to kill the other. However, an earthquake uproots a tree and traps them both.
Nature forces the men to reconcile and they even make plans to live peacefully together. But once they make amends, they realize their voices are not loud enough to call for help. When a group of men appear, they ignore the trapped men. In the end, both men receive the same death, from a natural world that does not recognize their claims to the land.
DEATH
The machete wielded by Cesar introduces the theme of death into the story from the beginning. Both Cesar and Pedro initially believe that killing the other will lead to victory in their property dispute, but when given the opportunity to end each other's lives, they both hesitate. This suggests that the act of killing becomes more difficult and real when faced with the possibility of taking someone's life.
When a powerful earthquake causes a tree to fall on the men, they are both faced with their own mortality. This experience causes Cesar to reevaluate his priorities and let go of his hatred for Pedro. They decide to become friends and hope that their respective hunting parties will come to rescue them, rather than kill each other. The near-death experience prompts Cesar and Pedro to see the value of life and the opportunity for graciousness in rescuing one another, but it ultimately does not save them. Despite their changed relationship, they are unable to move the tree off, and instead, the mountain buries them.
The story's opening shows the men's belief that owning the land will give them power, but their near-death experience shows them that this thirst for power ultimately does not matter. The story's ending suggests that death will come for all people, regardless of their status or understanding of the world.
CLASS
Pedro and Cesar come from different social classes, with Pedro being from a lower class than Cesar. Cesar sees Pedro as a lowly poacher and Pedro sees Humberto as a greedy landowner. When the men reconcile, Pedro imagines that they will be able to spend the night under each other's roofs and share meals, indicating that the class barriers between them have disappeared.
It is possible that the men are able to make peace because they are alone in the jungle, without any outside observers to enforce the social hierarchy. Pedro's view of other men as “trespassers” may suggest that he sees the structured social world as an artificial one that infringes upon the natural, equal relationship between him and Cesar. The predicament of being trapped beneath a tree also equalizes the men, as despite their different means, neither is more able to move the tree or prevent their own deaths.
As the end nears, Cesar laughs. The earth does not recognize his social class and he understands that his wealth offers no protection against nature. Nature does not distinguish between Pedro and Cesar, suggesting that class distinctions are artificial and become irrelevant in the face of death.
SCORE
The marimba score for your 10-minute short film evolves with the narrative, starting with serene, ambient notes that set a reflective tone. A simple melodic theme emerges, growing in complexity with rhythmic patterns and layered harmonies to mirror the unfolding story. The climax features intense, rapid rhythms and deep tones, adding emotional weight and urgency. As the story resolves, the original theme returns with variations, symbolizing growth and resolution, transitioning to softer, soothing cadences. The film concludes with reflective, atmospheric notes, fading out to leave a lasting impression of peace and completion.
Guatemala has a long and complex history, including periods of violence, that can still be seen throughout its culture today. Indigenous Maya make up around 40% of the country's population and have faced discrimination, violence, and alleged genocide at the hands of the Guatemalan government since the arrival of Spanish colonizers over 500 years ago. Despite these challenges, the Maya people have remained resilient and proud of their culture. The continued use of the marimba, a traditional musical instrument, is a symbol of this resistance and strength.
Timeline
The film is in the funding phase and many important details are already in place, including a written script, secured location, and a partially assembled team. We plan to film for three days in Guatemala in February 2025 and will start distribution shortly after the film is finalized in the summer. We have high hopes for the film, with its authentic, character-driven style and captivating performances, and believe it will be a standout at film festivals. However, we still need your help to bring the film to fruition.
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The initial phase in filmmaking where the concept is conceived, the script is written and refined.
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Financing film by raising money from a large number of people, via online platform and network.
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Planning, preparation, and organization, including script finalization, casting, location scouting, budgeting, and scheduling.
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Actual filming takes place, involving the execution of the script with actors, crew, and equipment on set to capture the necessary footage.
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Raw footage is edited, sound and visual effects are added, music and soundtracks are integrated, and the final version of the film is polished and completed.
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Strategic scheduling of a film's release to various platforms and its exhibition at film festivals, starting with festival submissions and screenings to secure distribution deals and culminating in the film's staggered release across multiple media.
HOW CAN I HELP
Thank you for considering supporting our film, Tierras Amargas. Your contribution will help fund the production and post-production in Guatemala in Spring 2025. With a skilled crew and a clear vision, your support will bring the film to life and position us for success at festivals. Thank you!
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We are seeking $20,000 to cover all film production and post-production costs. If we are able to raise $22,000, it will allow us to handle any unexpected timeline disruptions and cover festival distribution costs to bring our film to a global audience. These additional funds will help ensure the success of our film.
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• Cast and Crew
• Air Travel
• Room and Board
• Location
• Gear Rentals
• Editing
• Visual Effects -
• Increases representation of Latin American voices in film
• Offers more diversity in leadership and crew roles
• Encourages reflection and empathy on issues of land ownership and borders
• Promotes cultural exchange and understanding
• Brings fresh perspectives and diverse stories to the film industry
• Provides opportunities for Latin American filmmakers to share their unique voices and experiences with a global audience
• Supports the growth and development of the Latin American film industry
Incentives for Donations
Support our mission by contributing today.
$1 Contribution
Thank You Email: Personalized email expressing gratitude for the support.
Digital Wallpaper: Downloadable high-resolution wallpaper related to the project.
Shout-out on Social Media: A thank you mention on project’s social media pages.
Newsletter Subscription: Early access to project updates and exclusive content.
Behind-the-Scenes Photo: Exclusive digital photo from the project’s production.
$5 Contribution
Digital Postcard: A unique digital postcard from the project’s location.
Exclusive Audio Message: Personal thank you message from the project creator.
Early Access: Early access to one piece of content before the general release.
Special Thanks on Website: Name listed on a special thanks page on the project’s website.
Access to a Private Community: Invitation to join a private community or group for supporters.
$10 Contribution
Digital Download of Artwork: High-resolution download of a piece of artwork related to the project.
Exclusive Q&A Session: Access to a recorded Q&A session with the project creator.
Digital Sticker Pack: A set of unique digital stickers related to the project.
Access to a Private Livestream: Invitation to a private livestream event with the project creator.
Name in Credits: Name listed in the credits of a project-related video or document.
$20 Contribution
Exclusive Video Content: Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes video content.
Digital Copy of Script/Booklet: Digital download of the project’s script or booklet.
Virtual Meet-and-Greet: Invitation to a group virtual meet-and-greet with the project creator.
Signed Digital Photo: Digital photo signed by the project creator.
Limited Edition Digital Print: Downloadable limited edition print related to the project.
$50 Contribution
Physical Postcard: A physical postcard mailed to the contributor.
Project Merchandise: Small piece of project-related merchandise (e.g., a keychain or button).
Digital Art Book: Downloadable digital art book showcasing the project’s development.
Exclusive Podcast Episode: Access to a special podcast episode related to the project.
Thank You Video: Personalized thank you video from the project creator.
$100 Contribution
Signed Poster: Physical poster signed by the project creator.
Special Edition Merchandise: Exclusive piece of merchandise (e.g., a t-shirt or mug).
Physical Art Book: Physical art book showcasing the project’s development.
VIP Access: VIP access to a project-related event or launch party.
Personalized Thank You Letter: Handwritten thank you letter from the project creator.
$250 Contribution
Limited Edition Print: Physical limited edition print of project artwork, signed by the creator.
Exclusive Merchandise Package: Bundle of exclusive project merchandise.
Name in Main Credits: Prominent mention in the main credits of the project.
Private Virtual Tour: Invitation to a private virtual tour of the project’s location or studio.
Framed Artwork: Framed piece of artwork related to the project, signed by the creator.
$500 Contribution
Producer Credit: Executive or associate producer credit on the project.
Exclusive Preview: Early access to a preview screening or content before the official release.
Signed Limited Edition Book: Signed limited edition book or compilation related to the project.
Dinner with the Creator: Invitation to a dinner with the project creator (travel not included).
Personalized Experience: Personalized experience related to the project (e.g., a workshop or tour).
$1000 Contribution
VIP Event Access: VIP access to all project-related events, including premieres and parties.
Custom Art Commission: Personalized piece of artwork created by the project creator.
One-on-One Meeting: Private one-on-one meeting with the project creator (virtual or in-person).
Executive Producer Credit: Prominent executive producer credit on the project.
Exclusive Signed Collectible: Unique signed collectible item related to the project (e.g., a prop or exclusive edition).
Meet the Team
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Michael Todd-Serr
Producer
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Mario Ricardo Rodriguez
Writer • Director
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Thalia Domenica
Associate Producer
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Ricardo Pomares
Cinematographer
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Jamie Kokot
Editor
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Jaya Dixon
Production Designer
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New List Item
Sound Designer
THANK YOU!
As we embark on this film, your support and shares on social media will make a huge difference. You can spread the word about our campaign by emailing, texting, or tweeting about it.
By following and sharing our posts on Instagram and Facebook, and using the hashtag #losintrusos, you can help bring attention to our film and the important issues it addresses.
Thank you for your support and for joining us at @TierrasAmargasFilm. We are excited to share the film with you and appreciate your help in making it a success. Don't forget to follow us on Subscribe below and check back for updates.
— Mario Ricardo Rodriguez